Biography

I grew up in Wisconsin and developed a life-long interest in plants while exploring the state parks and forests. I earned a B.S. in Botany from UW-Madison, where I gained research experience studying fungal diseases of cranberries working in plant pathology. I earned a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Cornell University.

My dissertation work focused on the epidemiology and management of grapevine downy mildew, including 3 field seasons working in South Australia. Then, as a postdoc, I studied fire blight, an important and potentially devastating bacterial disease of apples, at Michigan State. I started my faculty position at KSU in 2006. My program includes research, extension, and diagnostics for horticultural commodities (turfgrasses, trees, ornamentals, fruits, and vegetables.)

Education

• Ph.D. Plant Pathology, Cornell University, 2005
• B.S. Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1999

Research

My research focuses on practical management of diseases of horticultural/specialty crops including turfgrasses. I am also collaborating on the development of new zoysiagrass varieties.

Extension

I develop and deliver educational resources for all the commercial horticulture commodities in Kansas - turfgrass, trees, ornamentals, fruits, and vegetables. I also provide diagnostic support for those groups.